Early Cultures - Europe in the Middle Ages

Gloves

Gloves as a fashion accessory, rather than as a necessity to keep the
hands warm, date to about the twelfth or thirteenth century, late in the
Middle Ages (c. 500-c. 1500). For years people had worn crude mittens,
perhaps lined with fur, when working outdoors, but sewing techniques were
not developed enough to allow for the delicate stitches that were needed
between fingers. In fact, most people kept the hands warm by wrapping them
in the excess fabric of their baggy sleeves. Beginning in the Middle Ages,
however, advances in tailoring made gloves a desirable fashion accessory.

The first people to wear gloves in medieval Europe were members of royalty
and dignitaries in the Roman Catholic Church, the dominant church in
Europe. For church dignitaries, or notable figures, gloves were a symbol
of purity. Rich people wore gloves for such aristocratic pursuits as
falconry, which involved training falcons to land on one's hand.
Early gloves were made from deerskin
or sheepskin. By the time of the Renaissance in the fifteenth century,
gloves were so popular that whole communities were known for their glove
making. Since then, gloves have been worn for warmth and with fancy attire
throughout the remainder of Western history.